25 Things Nurses Should Be Thankful For Every Shift

The long hours make it easy to miss the good parts of this job. They are still there. The pay may not match other fields, but here is what nursing gives you that most jobs never will.

1. You know more than a dozen ways to save a life, from CPR to drug antidotes.

2. There is always room to grow. Feeling stuck means it is time to go back to school and learn more.

3. Patients trust you with their stories, sad, happy, or embarrassing. That trust is a big deal.

4. Nothing beats taking your shoes off after a brutal shift.

5. You never have a boring day at work.

6. The machines do real work for you. IV pumps mean no more counting and recounting drops.

7. You get to poke people with needles, and you pick the size.

8. Your shift is a workout. Lifting patients and running the floor keeps your body moving.

9. The silence after you close the car door feels like heaven. After a day of ringing and buzzing, quiet is rare.

10. Doctors listen to you. They also argue with you.

11. You understand how short life is. Seeing patients from birth to death makes you appreciate it.

12. Nursing is one of the most secure jobs out there. With so many subspecialties, there is always a place for you.

13. No high heels, no tight skirts. You move around in scrubs, which is about as close to pajamas as work gets.

14. You make a real difference in people's lives.

15. Blood does not faze you.

16. You have family and friends who forgive you for missing important dates because of work.

17. Patients respect you. A few are difficult, but most listen to what you say.

18. When someone at home gets sick, you handle it.

19. You are grateful for your own health. You have seen how hard it is to be bedridden, in pain, or unable to speak.

20. Disposable syringes and bed pans make the work cleaner and easier.

21. You are part of a complex medical team spanning several disciplines.

22. Gloves, disinfectants, and protective gear keep you well while you care for the sick.

23. The more specialties you learn, the more you can earn.

24. You meet people from every background and leave their lives better than you found them.

25. You see your patient recover. After days of caring for someone, watching them walk out well is the best part of the job.